Exploring theatrical intertextuality

Exploring theatrical intertextuality Investigating how the relationship between two texts, Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead, are inextricably linked thematically and thus the outcome of what is lost and what is gained in both plays; by discussing how Stoppard translates his play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead, from Shakespeares Hamlet. Stoppards technique of extracting two minor characters from probably the most famous play in literatures history, hamlet, enables the audience to gain a unique and enlightening perspective of these characters. The way in which Stoppard deals with his play, by exploring many interesting themes, presents the modern idealisms of movements such as existentialism and debates such as free will versus determinism. By referring to Hamlet we are able to gain new insight, as if peeling away the layers of an onion to infinitely seek hidden meanings; perhaps a consequence of our modern thinking. Stoppards play can be described as searching for the meaning of life and the certainty of death, the links of which can be discussed within the context of existentialism. In brief, existentialism refers to a doctrine that concentrates on the existence of the individual, who, being free and responsible, is held to be what he makes himself by the self-development of his essence through acts of the will. (OED 27/11/09) With existentialism opposing any absolutes and that choice is always possible and when an individual fulfils himself, he exists; and that fulfilling can come only through the agony of choices; human existence is thus replete with lack of fulfillment, emptiness, and frustration. (Stephens 27/11/09) In discussion to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, the two characters Ros and Guil are unable to comprehend their own identities and thus their own individualities, which prevents them from conceiving their own free will. The lack of making choices and taking control of their lives, ultimately leads to them falling into the hands of fate, which leads them to questioning the meaning of life. This is explicit in the opening scene where they discover probabilities. In this regard, they are conscious of a world that seems to be controlled around them, and chance is warped as a spun coin continually comes up heads. (HSC Notes 27/11/09) However, one could argue that the characters in Stoppards play are bound by their previous existence in Shakespeares Hamlet and thus their existence is already contrived as Stoppard deliberately chose to manipulate two characters and reveal their minor story by creating an intertextual play. Furthermore, in regard to the philosophy of existentialism, Gabriel Marcel states that no two beings and no two situations are really commensurable with each other. (Flynn 2006) By dissecting this comment we can apply the first part two beings to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. They seem to be two characters, but alternatively they appear to be linked as if they are two sides of the same coin. Even in Hamlet, Gertrude mixes the two characters up, thus contributing to the lack of distinction between each of their identities, and the quest for their purpose in life, portrayed more relentlessly by Guil. In comparison to Hamlet, the clearest examples of existentialism are in Hamlets speech, and his contemplation of suicide near the end of the play. To be or not to be that is the question. (Shakespeare III.i.56-88) On one significant level, one could argue that through an existentialist perspective, the argument of existence, and moving through choices and more poignantly the questions between the choice of life and death can be deciphered through this one line, as Dan Nguyen comments Hamlet explores his own mortality. (Nguyen 27/11/09) In exploring the elements of life and death, both plays delve into these themes, and not only because Hamlet is a tragedy, but because of the character Hamlets, inability to seek the meaning of life and his obsession of death, which consolidates my suspicion of finding truth through death because it seems to the characters of both plays to be the only certainty. As Jimmy Stephens asserts that life is a mystery and that this mystery ends in death, are the two truths Rosencrantz and Guildenstern do discover as the play proceeds. (Stephens 27/11/09) Ros and Guils refusal to accept responsibility for making choices and taking control of their existence, leads them to suffer almost in a purgatory made inevitably by themselves; which is supported by Nguyens statement that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern never quite grasp the plight of their destiny, reflecting modern uncertainty and disillusionment of the twentieth century, where the only beginning is birth, and the only end is death. (Nguyen 27/11/09) By referring to a definition existent in existentialism, Because of what I am I cannot stop time, except through death, suicide, insanity, alcoholism, or narcotics addiction (Stephens 27/11/09) We can aptly see the universal ideas of existentialism revolving around the theme of death, explicit in both of these plays. Therefore, in reply to the statement above, by considering the extent of what is lost and what is gained by Stoppard intertextualising his play alongside Shakespeares is we see an inextricable link of themes and ideas. However, what is lost by reading both plays separately is the extent of how two minds from two different periods are so alike in their philosophy yet so vastly apart in their language and the outcomes of this consequence dependent on the audience target they seek. Thus as discussed above the elements in Shakespeares Hamlet are not apparent in Stoppards play, so it would be deduced that the extent of the theme existentialism would not seemingly run parallel throughout the two plays if read separately. Yet if the texts are read concurrently then ultimately much is gained by the reflection of themes within a different historical and social context in comparison to another as we can fully understand appreciate their value within our own contexts as a modern audience. Moving on, in contemplating what is lost and what is gained, it is important to establish a definition of which this can be measured. By these terms I seek to explore from an audience perspective what is revealed through Stoppards play, that we would not necessarily have found through just reading Hamlet alone. As it is common knowledge, Stoppard takes two minor characters from Hamlet and transforms them into two major characters, with much of the action happening in Hamlet, taking place in a minor context in Stoppards play. My initial reaction to Hamlet, informed me of the two minor characters of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, were that they were a function to help move the action of the plot along, they were a device that enabled Shakespeare to enhance further the manipulating and deceiving nature of Claudius. The characters themselves did seem strange in the context that they are Hamlets childhood friends, and as Hamlet subtly reveals in Act III scene II, lines 340-63 he perceives them to be conniving. Hamlet Will you play upon this pipe? to Guildenstern It is as easy as lying However, Stoppards revelation of the characters provokes a more sympathetic/ pitiful visualization of the two characters. They seem to be unaware of their true existence, forgetting their past and who they are. Recurring expression of the need to seek the true meaning of their existence is prolonged continually up until their death, even when Guildenstern and Rosencrantz learn of their fate they are still unable to comprehend it, and further question what was it all about? In addition the lack of control over their existence and environment possibly lends itself to the religious backdrop that is a subtle subtext. For example, in Hamlet the religious emphasis often inhibits the action of the play in one respect, as he puts off killing his uncle, because hes afraid he has sought absolution through prayer. However, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (from Stoppard) are taken from that context a nd placed in an entirely different one, whereby emphasis on God and religion is no longer precedent in the society. Thus everything becomes meaningless to these characters as there are no absolutes, as discussed in the existentialist example above, and they are forever stuck in a purgatory where change is non existent is some respect. They are unable to influence their environment and thus lack the ability to transform or effect their fate, unlike Hamlet who knows his ability to bring about change, and we can witness this through his psychological state yet Hamlet is confined by fate purely because of the difference in religious backdrops that are set up in either play and the conventions it must adhere to it is a tragedy in exactly the Shakespearian era sense. Thus, in conclusion there are many definite links and themes that are inextricably linked within the two plays, which in one sense must be predictable as Stoppard is lending from Shakespeares Hamlet. However the set up is extremely clever with Stoppard lending an additional perceptive, by reflecting on common ideas but with a modern viewpoint he manipulates the text to reveal an uncanny interpretation of two characters and the themes that are present in Hamlet. Therefore it must be said that much is gained, through Stoppards creation, however in my opinion it is meant as a source to be read parallel to Hamlet in order to benefit from the subtle undertones that link the sources so well, and to give a picture of modern society and its reaction. Bibliography Author unknown, English Stage 6 Transformations, http://members.optusnet.com.au/badtz_style/HSC%20stuff/English%20Study%20Notes.pdf. Date accessed: 27/11/09. Author unknown, Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: Understanding the Relationship, www.harrisonhigh.org//Rosencrantz%20and%20Guildenstern.doc .Date accessed: 27/11/09. Cannon, Ryan, Confusing the Critics: Tom Stoppards Rosencrantz Guildenstern Are Dead, http://newmedia.alma.edu/english/420/cannon/eng320.pdf. Date accessed: 27/11/09. De Vos, Jozef, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead: Tom Stoppards artistic failure', Neophilologus, vol. 61, I, Jan 1977, p. 1. Flynn, R. Thomas, Existentialism: a very short introduction, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006. HSC Notes: 2 Unit Related English: Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, http://lardcave.net/hsc/english.2ur.stoppard.rosencrantzandguildenstern.html. Date accessed: 27/11/09. Mattern, Karl, Analysis of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Norderstedt: Grin Verlag, 2006. Mitchell, Marea, Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, http://escholarship.usyd.edu.au/journals/index.php/SSE/article/viewFile/50/44. Date accessed: 27/11/09. Nguyen Dan, Transformation of Hamlet to Rosencrantz Guildenstern Are Dead, www.kewpid.net. Date accessed: 27/11/09. Shakespeare, William, Hamlet, in Thompson, A. and Taylor, N. (eds) London: The Arden Shakespeare, 2006. Stephens C. Jimmy, Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead, Diem Perdidi Titus, Student Notes And Exercises, www.unicorncollector.com. Date accessed: 27/11/09. Stoppard, Tom, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, London: Faber, 1967. www.oed.com, Oxford University Press, 1989. Date accessed: 27/11/09.

Psychological Impact of Newly Diagnosed Lung Cancer

Psychological Impact of Newly Diagnosed Lung Cancer CHAPTER ONE Introduction The concern addressed in this dissertation is to explore the psychological impact on a newly diagnosed lung cancer patient. Patients with lung cancer normally experience variety of distress symptoms, many of which begin prior to diagnosis and continue throughout the course of the disease and the treatment, which adversely affects the functional status and quality of life (Julkunen et al, 2009). The experience of lung cancer is not limited to only the victims but may equally have wide-range impact on families physical and emotional well-being. Therefore it is essential to critically assess the extent of this psychological impact of lung cancer on the patient. This topic is properly examined in context of a critical literature review approach. The approach has adopted the traditional method which is considered appropriate for the purpose of this piece of work. This method involves a critique, summary and synthesis of a body of literature after which a conclusions is drawn, (Coughlan,et al. 2008). According to Crombie (1996), the purpose of writing a literature review is to convey to readers the knowledge and ideas which have been established on the chosen topic, and explore the strength and weaknesses. This helps to identify gaps and inconsistencies in the literature. Gomm et al, (2000) stated that the purpose of a review is to analyse critically a published body of knowledge through summary, classification, and comparison of prior research studies, reviews of literature, and theoretical articles. A further consideration for the literature review will not merely be a descriptive list of materials obtained, or a summary of relevant resource s, but rather to provide the framework of the research investigation and summarise the literature studied in order to develop the research study (Brink and Wood, 2001). A brief description of the anatomy and physiology of the lungs will be discussed to enhance proper understanding of the topic. Pathophysiology, aetiology and epidemiology of lung cancer will be outlined. The methodology will be described including a brief description of the models and strategies adopted in conducting the review. The review of 10 peer review papers are presented in chapters using critical appraisal tools to evaluate the strengths and limitations of the research papers. Both qualitative and quantitative primary research papers will also be used. Limitations of the literature and the process of the review will be identified. The dissertation will be structure in the following way: Chapter 2 will explore the background information about lung cancer by examining the pathophysiology, aetiology, and epidemiology, pathogenesis, treatment and evaluation of the disease. It also considers the rationale behind the chosen topic. Chapter 3, Research Methodology, outlining the various strategies employed to gather and analyse the sources of data. Chapter 4, Psychological distress: anxiety, depression, desire for hastened death, feeling of guilt and hopelessness. Chapter 5, Discusses the impact psychological distress has on quality of life of newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. Chapter 6, Summary of findings of the literature reviewed. Chapter 7, Limitations of the literature reviewed. Chapter 8, Limitations of the whole literature reviewing process. Chapter 9, Conclusion and Recommendations, distils the key points and relates them to proper management of lung cancer. It also proposes a number of recommendations to tackle the problems identified above. CHPTER 2 Lung cancer 2.1 Introduction The study is to identify the psychological impact of newly diagnosed lung cancer on the patient. Lung Cancer is a disease that begins in the tissue of the lungs. To better understand lung cancer, it is vital to understand the anatomy and physiology of the lungs. 2.2 Anatomy and physiology of the lungs The lungs are two cone-shaped structures positioned on either side of the heart. In the mediastinum. They are sponge-like organs that are part of the respiratory system. During breathing, air enters the mouth or nasal cavity and travels down the trachea. The trachea, divides into two smaller tubes: the right bronchus and the left bronchus. The right bronchus enters the right lung and the left bronchus enters the left lung. The right and left bronchus branch into bronchioles. These bronchioles end in tiny balloon-like air sacs called alveoli. The alveoli are where oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other substances are exchanged between the lungs and the blood stream. (Gould, 2006). Pathophysiology, aetiology and epidemiology of lung cancer Lung cancer is a term, which covers a collection of several different forms of malignant tumour arising in the lungs and in the major airways (The Royal College of Physicians, 2005). There are two major types of lung cancer, non-small cell and small cell. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) arises from epithelial cells which is the most common type of lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer begins in the nerve cells or hormone-producing cells of the lung. The term small cell refers to the size and shape of the cancer cells when seen under a microscope. According to (McCance and Heuther 2005) the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 80% of all lung cancers. There are different types of NSCLC, these are: Squamous cell carcinoma (also called epidermoid carcinoma). This is the most common type of NSCLC. It forms in the lining of the bronchial tubes and is the most common type of lung cancer in men. Adenocarcinoma. This is found in the glands of the lungs that produce mucus. This is the most common type of lung cancer in women and also among people who have not smoked. Bronchioalveolar carcinoma. This is a rare subset of adenocarcinoma. It forms near the lungs air sacs. Recent clinical research by Scullion and Henry (1998) has shown that this type of cancer responds more effectively to the newer targeted therapies Large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma. This cancer forms near the surface, or outer edges, of the lungs. It can grow rapidly. The small cell lung cancer (SCLC) as (MacCance and Huether, 2005) puts it, accounts for about 20% of all lung cancers. Although the cells are small, they multiply quickly and form large tumors that can spread throughout the body. Smoking is almost always the cause of SCLC. Lung cancer begins when cells in the lungs grow out of control and form a tumor. A tumor can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A cancerous tumor is a collection of a large number of cancer cells that have the ability to spread to other parts of the body. A lung tumor can begin anywhere in the lungs (Muers et al, 2001). According to Hughes and Pride (1999), once a cancerous lung tumor begins to grow, it may or may not shed cancer cells. These cells can be carried away in blood or float away in the natural fluid called lymph, which surrounds lung tissue. Lymph flows through the lymphatic vessels that drain into lymph nodes. Cancer cells metastasise when it leaves its site of origin and moves into a lymph node or to a far away part of the body through the bloodstream. The location and size of the initial lung tumor, and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or more distant sites, determines the stage of lung cancer. The type of lung cancer and stage of the disease determine what type of treatment is needed. The staging system describes the extent of the disease at the time and therefore provides a basis for treatment and prognosis. The staging systems as described by McCances and Huether, (2006) are based on the following: The size of the primary tumour (T); The extent of regional lymph nodes (N); and The spread of the tumor (M). Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, resulting in 36,000 deaths each year (DOH, 2007). Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer motality in the UK: In every 15 minutes, a new diagnosis is made with approximately 40,000 fresh cases every year (NICE, 2009). It remains the most frequent of all malignant diseases and the one with the poorest prognosis. 80 percent of effected people die within a year (DOH, 2007). Lung cancer continues to rise and is now very high in women as well as men (Hamer et al, 2008). Many epidemiological studies have assessed the extent and nature of problem in the UK, (Blackler et al, 2007) report that lung cancer occurs in people who smoke. This is supported by further research from the United States of America, including other comprehensive study conducted by Scullion and Henry (1998) that the risk of lung cancer is higher in persons who begin smoking early, continue for many years, and are considered heavy smokers. However (Gould, 2006) posited that people who dont smoke can also develop lung cancer, although this is much rarer. This confirms (McCance and Huethers, 2005) statement that people who have been in prolonged or close contact with asbestos have a higher risk of lung cancer, especially if they smoke. Lung cancer is rarely diagnosed in people younger than 40 most cases occur in people over the age of 60. 2.3 Pathogenesis, Treatment and Evaluation The treatment of lung cancer is based on the size and location of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread, and also the persons overall health. There are four basic ways to treat lung cancer: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy (NICE, 2005). Treatment options differ for each individual and may depend on other factors such as age, physical condition, and other medical problems. The goal of Surgery is to remove the part of the lung where the tumor is isolated. Chemotherapy is to kill rapidly dividing cells in the body, including cancer cells using drugs. It is the main treatment for people with small cell lung cancer. In many people, chemotherapy will enable them to live for longer, with better control of symptoms. (NICE 2009) Chemotherapy may be given on its own, or before radiotherapy. Sometimes chemotherapy and radiotherapy are given at the same time; this is known as chemoradiation. Targeted therapy is a treatments designed to target cancer cells in more specific ways, usually involving the mechanisms that cause cancer cells to grow or divide (DOH, 2007). The diagnosis of lung cancer becomes a crisis in victims life when experienced, confronting them with changes in identity, role, and social interactions and presenting them with an uncertain future (Waller and caroline, 1996). Kemp (1999) posited, the psychosocial distress can interfere with the patients healthcare and diminish his or her health and functioning. Many patients who face cancer diagnosis that require physical effects of treatment appear to experience emotional difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Equally, patients with untreated depression or anxiety may be less likely to take their cancer medication and maintain their health. Moreover they may withdraw from family or other social support services which may affect the treatment outcome. 2.4 Rationale The rationale for the choice of topic was based on a desire to understand the psychological impact of lung cancer on the patient. Often the physical effects of the cancer disease and treatment are focused more on the curative effort. Therefore, it is important for the health-care team to address psychological effects, that cancer patients normally encounter that can greatly affect their sense of well-being. Nursing is expected to deliver high quality care that is effective in promoting health and well being (LoBiondo-Wood and Haber, 2006). Evidence-based practice is a key strategy in the development of modern health services and crucial to the development of nursing practice (Parahoo, 1997). Evidence-based care as Brink and Wood (2001) suggest and supported by (Carnwell 1997), is the conscientious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients or the delivery of health services. The successful completion of the review will investigate primary r esearch. In doing so this may act as an additional information source for healthcare professionals and as a basis for further enquiry. Chapter 3 METHODOLOGY 3.1 Aims and research questions Against the background of the foregoing explanation, it is desirable to identify the psychological distress associated with lung cancer and how it affects the patient. The questions the review seeks to address/answer are 1. What are the psychological reactions of newly diagnosed lung cancer patients? 2. How do these psychological reactions affect physical and psychological wellbeing of theses patients? 3. What interventions can be used to address these psychological reactions of newly diagnosed lung cancer and manage them effectively? 3.2 Parameters for the literature search The chosen method is a systematic literature review of both qualitative and quantitative research in the study area. A systematic literature review as defined by (Parahoo, 1997) is a summary of research that uses explicit approach to perform a thorough literature search and critical appraisal of existing body of published knowledge to identify the valid and applicable evidence. It is a means of managing very large volumes of information to identify evidence on which recommendations can be made (Holloway and Wheeler, 2002). Studies were used if they included adults (age 45 +) who have been newly diagnosed of lung cancer. 3.3 Inclusion Criteria This review included literature published from the year 1999 onwards All papers published in English Language only. Primary research directly related to the topic and Published research articles only. 3.4 Exclusion criteria Primary research not directly related to the topic Unpublished research articles Articles published before the year 1999 Other people were involved also, people from the specialist cancer services and the librarians whose help was invaluable in developing a search strategy and in sourcing and retrieving papers. 3.5 Literature searching strategies The search was completed using electronic databases. These were the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, British Nursing Index, Northampton Full Text [emailprotected], Proquest, Medline, and PsycInfo. The Cochrane Library was searched initially to see if a similar study had been done. The other data based were then searched from 1999-2009. Medline is a nursing and medical database. It is known to be incomplete (Markinson, 2002) however (Tagney and Haines, 2009) demonstrated that a search on MEDLINE is likely to produce most of the appropriate papers because it publishes articles from a worldwide source. The hospital library service was used to find studies which were not available in full text form on the internet or locally held journals. Not all could be located; however this potentially could be a source of bias. In discussing the problems and importance of incomplete retrieval of papers, (Chalmers and Altman, 1995) argue that trials that are difficult to locate tend to be smaller and lower methodological quality than trials that are easily accessible. The key words used to search the database were LUNG CANCER, DIAGNOSIS, DEPRESSION, CANCERS, PSYCHOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTION, MEN, ANXIETY, ANGER, SADNESS, FEELING OF GUILT OR REGRET and PATIENTS FEELINGS. The nature of the study necessitated the use of very general terms such as lung cancer, and psychology. Sensitivity was chosen rather than specificity in the selection process and this meant that the search initially uncovered a large number of papers unrelated to the study. The result of the search was initially screened by reading the abstract online and retrieving the relevant ones using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies which were retrieved were screened again to make sure they fulfil all the criteria required to be used for the review. To avoid bias, this study used methods outlined by Aveyard (2008). The methods were simplified for people who are new to or have little experience in doing a literature review. As suggested by (Cutcliffe and Ward, 2003) met hods used in systematic reviews reduce the potential bias of the review. 3.6 Method of Evaluation The literature is evaluated using Greenhalg T (1997) structure for evaluating qualitative research. (See appendix 2) This model was selected because most of the research was qualitative due to the nature of the selected topic. Anxiety and depression are difficult to measure because its an emotional response and therefore immeasurable. 3,7 Method of Analysis The research is analysed using a summing up approach as described by (Aveyard, 2008) which is adopted from the approaches given by Paterson et al (2001). This model was chosen because it facilitates the extraction of themes from research literature of a diverse nature. Again is suitable for people who are new to the literature review process. The themes generated are: Psychological distress: Anxiety, depression, feeling of hopelessness and the desire for hastened death. Effect of psychological distress on quality of life of people with newly diagnosed lung cancer. 3.8 Data handling method The data was stored and subsequently analysed using data storage system described by (Cormack, 2000) this system has two commonly methods of storing data: storage in original form, and storage using computer. The printed research papers were stored in a ring binder file and a memory stick was used to store computerised data. The purpose of data storage as LoBiondo-Wood and Haber (2006) puts it has three basic related purposes: to make sure that no data are lost; to ensure that information are obtained in a way which makes it reasonably accessible; and to ensure that the researcher is able to analyse the data. A separate note book was used to store references. 3.9 Resources required and sources identified Resources required are computers, various libraries, search engines, text books, stationary, supervisor, and librarian. Sources identified are internet and printed journals. CHAPTER FOUR THEME 1 Psychological distress: Anxiety, depression, desire for hastened death, feeling of guilt and hopelessness. Following exploration of the available and chosen research for this literature review, various themes have been identified. This chapter aims to discuss and explore the reviewed literature regarding the psychological distress of newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. It will discuss anxiety, depression, feeling of guilt and hopelessness which influence the disease-related factors on the desire for hastened death which have emerged from the data. Five studies (Akechi et al (2006), Turner et al, (2006), Wilson et al, (2007), (Rodin, et al 2009) and Mystakidou et al, (2008) will be examined using the methodology, discussions and analysis of the research to evaluate their findings. (See appendix 3 for research articles) In order for this to be achieved, the chapter has been divided into three sub-themes these are: Psychological distress. Anxiety and depression. Feeling of guilt/hopelessness and the desire for hastened death. There will be a small summary to conclude the chapter. 4.1 Psychological distress A cancer diagnosis can be viewed as a very stressful event for patients as they must adapt to the shock and uncertainty that such a diagnosis presents Fox et al (2006). As a result of life-threatening nature of cancer, psychological distress in cancer patients has been widely studied. Previous studies have indicated that 10-40% of cancer patients suffer from psychological distress (Skarstein, 1999). Vos et al, (2008) reported that 19% of lung cancer patients experienced depression between the time of diagnosis and initial treatment and 35% of them continued to experience the same disorder 6 months after. It is therefore vital to investigate the exact predictive factors of the psychological factors experienced by newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. The first research paper identified was conducted by Akechi et al (2006). The purpose of the study was to investigate longitudinal changes and predictive factors for psychological distress among newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. The study was conducted among 85 newly diagnosed advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients. Data were obtained in structured interview and validated self-report questionnaires. Psychological distress was evaluated using the Profile of Mood State (POMS) scale. This scale was developed by McNair et al., 1977. The POMS scale according to Akechi et al (2006) is a self-rating scale measuring six emotional sates (tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, vigor, fatigue, and confusion) and total mood disturbance. It was hypothesized that a lower fighting spirit and a higher helplessness/hopelessness were significant predictors of total mood disturbances. Therefore initial psychological response after lung cancer diagnosis was the most relevant p redictor of subsequent psychological distress. Their findings indicate that initial mood disturbance after the disclosure of a diagnosis of cancer (shock and uncertainty) is the most relevant predictor for subsequent psychological distress and that early intervention beginning immediately after a diagnosis is one way of preventing and/or reducing subsequent psychological distress in lung cancer patients. Initial psychological response after cancer diagnosis seems to continue the subsequent illness trajectory for at least several months, although several dimensions of psychological response, including anxiety and depression, may decrease. In their words, the overall psychological distress does not decrease naturally in the usual clinical care setting. Their study has several methodological advantages as compared with other studies because the method used for collection and analysis of the data were clearly described in the study which confirms that the qualitative method used was appropriate for the study (Greenhalg, 2001). However it has several limitations and cautions must be used when interpreting its findings. First, it was stated in the methodology that the researchers were not able to obtain longitudinal data on approximately 40% of the potentially eligible subject at the time of the investigation (Akechi et al, 2006). This introduces the possibility of a selection bias (Crombie 1996). The absence of this longitudinal data mentioned demonstrate that individual level change over time could not be studied on 40% of the sample therefore the researchers could not obtain the longitudinal course of psychological distress of those people(Akechi et al, 2006). This indicate that the findings may be distorted by the bias, even though it seems to be very common and one of the most difficult issues that cannot be completely overcome in the studies focusing on advanced cancer patients. Secondly, of all, this study included up to 6 months follow-up after cancer diagnosis, the longitudinal course of patients psychological status thereafter is unclear. Six months after diagnosis may not be enough long time to evaluate the longitudinal course of distress experienced by advanced lung cancer patients. For example, a recent study, examining the course of psychological distress in metastatic breast cancer patients demonstrated that distress remained constant or declined during the illness trajectory; however distress significantly increased proximal to death (Hill et al, 2002). Considering the prognosis of advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients, it seems plausible that many dimensions of psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, may increase as death approaches. The convenience sampling method used also poses threat to the generalisation of the findings, because the study subjects consisted entirely of newly diagnosed advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCL) patients who visited one Thoracic Oncology Division in Japan. Since patients with other lung cancer types at other sites were not examined in the study, it remains unclear whether the results can be extrapolated to patients with other lung cancer types at other sites. Lastly, psychological distress after cancer diagnosis was the only significant predictive factor of subsequent psychological distress after cancer diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, very few studies have addressed the predictive factors for psychological distress in lung cancer patients while several studies have investigated predictors for subsequent psychological distress in other types of cancers (REF). Edward and Clarke (2004) demonstrated that family functioning and patients illness characteristics were associated with anxiety and depression in newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. Consequently, because the follow-up period in this study was short and the sampling method used caution must be taken when interpreting the findings. 4.2 Anxiety and Depression Depression refers to an emotional disturbance marked by the cardinal symptoms of persistent and pervasive low mood and the loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities (Skarstein et al, 2000). McPherson (2004) defined anxiety as a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by physical symptoms such as palpitations sweating, and feelings of stress. Depression and anxiety disorders are thought to be common in palliative cancer care ( Strutkowski et al, 2008). The first study identified was conducted by Turner et al, (2006). It was a prospective observational cohort study of patients undergoing palliative radiotherapy for lung cancer. The aim was to measure psychological distress and concerns before and after treatment using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HADS) and a concern checklist. Participants were selected randomly from radiotherapy clinics in various hospitals. Data were obtained from a group of 83 elderly patients (aged 75 and above) being treated with palliative radiotherapy for lung cancer, with a comparison group of 49 younger patients (aged 65 and under). They completed the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and a concerns checklist before and after treatment. The HADS according to Skarstein, (1999) is an instrument which rates anxiety and depression in patients with physical illness. It has two sub-scales, one assessing anxiety, and another evaluating depression. Anxiety and depression subscales of the HADS were scored using a score of 0-7 = normal, 8-10 = borderline, and 11-21 = probable case (i.e. likely to have the diagnosis of anxiety or depression confirmed after formal psychiatric assessment). The concerns checklist data were examined to provide median numbers of concerns identified by each patient group before and after treatment and, the changes over time were compared statistically. They hypothesized that majority of newly diagnosed lung cancer patients experience severe level of depression and anxiety. The result of the study shows that the 60% of young group and 40% of elderly group had anxiety. And 30% of young group and 60% of the elderly group had depression. The young group consistently ranked the illness, the future relating to the illness, family and their energy level as their major concern and the elderly group also ranked family and breathlessness as their major concern. This findings suggested that people of all ages have similar concerns and level of anxiety and depression whiles receiving palliative radiotherapy for lung cancer. A year after a similar study was conducted by Wilson et al, (2007). It examined depression and anxiety disorders in 381 patients who were receiving palliative cancer care. The study group consisted of 212 women and 169 men (age 26-93). Data was obtained through the development of a structured interview of symptoms and concerns. Depression and anxiety disorders were assessed with a modified version of the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) clinician evaluation guide. The PRIME-ED according to Fox, (2006) provides a quick screening method for a wide range of mental health disorders. The findings of the study suggested that physical symptoms (such as pain and breathlessness) as well as issues about the illness itself and its treatment were more likely to have been addressed. Anxiety and depression were the frequent individual diagnosis. But there was no association between these disorders and the time to death. However it makes it more difficult to treat their physic al symptoms. The findings from these two studies suggest that depression and anxiety disorders are common in newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. However Turner et al (2006) suggested that people of all ages have similar concerns and levels of anxiety and depression while receiving palliative radiotherapy for lung cancer. Turner et als (2006) findings supported Wilson et al, (2007) because it also established that issues about the illness itself and its treatment outcome were the major concerns of the participants which influence anxiety and depression. However the two studies are limited to the method used. Turner et al (2006) clearly identified the data collection method used in the methodology. Patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Concerns Check List. The questionnaire was completed by patients during their first visit for radiotherapy using touch-screen technology to record their responses. This method has been validated against paper questionnaire (Holloway and Wheeler, 2002). Some patients also used the paper version of the questionnaire. Data obtained from these two methods were compared in the analysis. Follow up was made during the next visit of patients to their outpatient appointment. Lung cancer specialist nurses were used for the collection of follow-up data. Where this was not possible, questionnaire, along side paid envelopes were sent directly to the participants. Those who returned completed questionnaires were sent a letter of thanks. On the other hand, Wilson et al, (2007) used a di agnostic interview which was a modification of a protocol that has been developed for the rapid screening of mental disorders in primary rather than palliative care. Although it has been used in previous studies in oncology settings, admittedly there is not enough strong body of validating research to support it use (Skarskein, 2000). Moreover Turner et als (2006) study was conducted in the United Kingdom while Wilson et al, (2007) was conducted in Canada. This could affect the interpretation of the findings because of the existing cultural differences and healthcare systems among these two countries. Conversely, in both papers the researchers achieved excellent sample sizes and responses (LoBiondo-Wood, 2006). Greenhalg (2001) stated that when examining studies it is important to distinguish whether the sampling strategy is appropriate for the design of the study and level of evidence provided by the design. Turner et al, (2006) selected a sample size of 191 patients undergoing palliative radiotherapy in radiotherapy centres in various hospitals. From this, 132 were recruited into the study, 83 elderly and 49 younger patients. Wilson et al, (2007) selected an eligible sample of 381 lung cancer patients receiving palliative care in eight sites across Canada. In both studies the researchers achieved excellent sample size and response rate. The sample sizes were large enough to give an accurate picture of what is going on (Greenhalg, 2001). Crombie (2008) stated that studies which use too small sample size often fail to detect clinically important effects. Moreover both studies used random sampling to recruit participants for the studie

Circuits :: electronics circuit board

Circuits, what is up with that? First you need to understand how all the parts of a circuit relate. The main thing that a circuit has is conductance and that all the parts are conductors. Conductors are materials in which electric charges move freely. If the material isn't a conductor, it is either a insulator or a semiconductor. Conductors are mainly metalic substances such as copper, aluminum, and gold. Conductors allow a charge to build up and move "freely" through the conductor. When dealing with circuits and the moving of electrons, free movement at the moment is the best movement. I will get to reasons to but a damper on the movement of electrons later. Now, if a conductor allows a charge to build up and move freely, then it should be easy to understand that an insulator is just the opposite, it might build up a charge but that charge isn't going anywhere. Semiconductors is the crossbreed of the other two types. Semiconductors are usually a conducting material that has been "do ped" or has been added to from a insulating material. This makes it so the charges don't want to move as freely but they can still move. Now, just like lightning, charges have a tendency to try to make their way to the earth if they can. This is why if you have a conducting material and connect it to the earth with a wire or something, it is said to be grounded. Grounding is a good thing to do with circuits because if there is too much charge going through a circuit, you don't want it to stay in the circuit and fry everything, grounding a circuit is generally safe. To finish off the idea of the very basic circuit, we know that it allows a charge to build up and move through it, now we need to know that the circuit must be complete. The ending picture of the circuit must make a complete loop so that those charges that like to move have somewhere to allways go. What happens if you hook a wire from one end of a battery to nothing else.....NOTHING. The circuit is not completed therefore the charges can't move off the end of the wire and continue to go. Voltage, Current, and Resistance When working with circuits, the three basic elements to anaylizing the circuit are voltage, current, and resistance. These three readings help you find out all the information you need on how the cicuit will work and they are all related to eachother through Ohm's law which states that Voltage is equal to current times resistance.

Capital Punishment Essay - Justice in Retribution -- Argumentative Per

Capital Punishment: Justice in Retribution       The American government operates in the fashion of an indirect democracy. Citizens live under a social contract whereby individuals agree to forfeit certain rights for the good of the whole. Punishments for crimes against the state are carried out via due process, guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment. The use of capital punishment is decided by the state, which is legal in thirty-seven states. It is a moral imperative to protect the states' rights to decide their own position on the use of capital punishment.    Capital punishment is a method of retributive punishment as old as civilization itself. Both the Greeks and the Romans invoked the death penalty for a wide variety of offenses. Socrates and Jesus were perhaps the most famous people ever condemned for a capital crime in the ancient period. Hammurabi's Code, a code of laws developed by the king of one of the first empires, dates back from the third or second millennium before Christ. This code claims that retribution, an eye for an eye and a life for a life, is justice. In Anglo-American law the death penalty has been a customary response to certain kinds of offenses. The movement in America to have the death penalty declared unconstitutional received paramount attention during the landmark case of 'Furman v. Georgia,' rendered on June 29, 1972, which declared the death penalty cruel and unusual punishment. No executions took place between 1967 and 1977 (Bedau, 1992). However, after a supreme court decision in 1975 'Gregg v. Georgia', which stated capital punishment did not violate the Eighth Amendment, executions commenced again under state supervision. Should capital punishment be continued? Retribution is a ju... ...nal awaits the sentence to be carried out. This lesson may be said not to benefit society since it is too late for the criminal. It is also too late for the victim who was murdered in cold blood. To look at this as "bloodthirsty revenge" would be saying that capital punishment is itself the injustice. Is it not an injustice to let a cold-blooded killer escape the consequences of a crime? A society that tolerates injustice can by no means be called just.    Works Cited Bedau, Hugo Adam. In Spite of Innocence. Boston: Northeastern University Press, 1992. Block, Eugene B.. When Men Play God: The Fallacy of Capital Punishment. San Francisco: Cragmont Publications, 1983. Locke, John. Second Treatise of Civil Government. Ch 2, Sec 6. Meltser, Michael. Cruel and Unusual: The Supreme Court and Capital Punishment. New York: Random House, 1973.   

Alternate Energy Sources :: essays research papers

Alternate Energy Resources As most people know our energy supply is slowly running out. We are using energy sources that either pollute the air, take up natural resources or cause damage to other forms of life. Today, we are working on other forms of energy that do not pollute or cause harm to the environment. Here are some: Magnetohydrobynamic Power   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Magnetohydrobynamic power is where created by plasma. One way is for gases are heated to really high temperature to where the form plasma. They are held together by strong magnets. This creates the energy. The energy is then cooled to a gas and used to turn a turbine (The hot plasma would melt the turbine if it tired to turn it.) This is already done is coal combustion research facilities. The second way is for the plasma molecules to be heated up around temperatures of 5,000,000 C%. The kinetic energy is then extracted by passing through a magnetic field. This produces a strong voltage. The only disadvantages to this power source is the lack of knowledge we have for it. Hopefully, within time, we will learn about this new energy source so we can use it to power the future. Fusion Power   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fusion Power is probably the biggest known Alternate Energy Resource. Fusion is the joining of the nuclei of two atoms to form the nucleus of a heavier element. It occurs mostly with hydrogen and other light elements. Fusion reactions, also called thermonuclear reactions, release a great deal of energy. Scientists are still conducting experiments on ways of harnessing Fusion so we can use it as an energy source. Microwave Power   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  25% of the energy we use today is used to for indoor lighting. Microwave power is the art of taking light from the sun and using it to light out indoor areas. It can only be used to light up lights though. This currently be done at Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and is used by several industrial companies. The Berkeley Lab researchers say that a single kiosk could be used to replace 30 conventional ceiling fixtures in an open spaced room and still light the room at the same brightness. If this becomes an energy source that we can depend on, you may see it light all of the lights in the world. The downside to this is that scientists due say that if we used this energy source for 1 billion years, to light up the entire world, we would take off 1 year of the sun’s life.

Understanding The Difference of Living Standards & Standard of Living

The American life style has been very much shaped by their economy. Nearly all aspects of American, and for that matter the rest of the world†s, life have been changed by their economy†s in some way, shape or form. Everything from the beds we sleep on, to the food we eat, to the jobs we aquire to make ends meet is continuously shaped by the different economies each respective country has. So what is quality of life anyway? There are probably a thousand different answers to that question, but they all point in the same direction. Quality of life means how happy you are with the lifestyle you have. Are you unhappy because you don†t have the belongings you want, or are you perfectly happy being without them, and believe in just enjoying life for what it is. Quality of life is a measure of your social, economic and mental well being. Standard of living is something totally different from quality of life. Although they sound the same and the meanings of the separate words are similar, each phrase has it†s own meaning. The standard of your living may affect your standard of life though. Standard of living means the material possessions you have. It is the degree you are able to satisfy your material wants and needs. First, to understand how the fact that the United States is a market economy affects the quality of life there, it helps for you to know some history on the subject. When the United States first started there was practically no secondary industry, this was because there hadn†t been a need for it before then. All the States did was â€Å"harvest† the raw goods from the land and sell them back to the mother country. There wasn†t any need to have any secondary industry. This all changed when they became a separate country. Later on when the British industrial revolution was about at it†s midriff the American revolution kicked in. this changed the secondary industry from a cottage based industry to a factory based industry with the introduction of machines that could do the work of several men. The farmers started to move out of the country and in to the big cities, where all the work was. Eli Whitney can be credited with the mass production of interchangeable pa rts. Unfortunately, this system created a feeling of alienation. The workers in the the factorys were in a totally different social class than the managers. This gap along with the fact that they didn†t feel like they were part of the coroporation, a corporation acts as a single fictcios person, the workers didn†t feel like they were part of this person. The quality of life of the workers at these factories went down. They felt alienated at work, then they went home to poor housing conditions, malnutrition and virtually no social mobility. Although they weren†t nearly as bad as in Britain. The producers were happy though; they were making lots of money and more and better products than ever before. This leads to the next issue of the relations between the labor force and management. This affects how people get the products, and how some people work, thus affecting the quality of life of many American citizens. Labor and management often have disagreements because the two groups have different views on how things should work. Management wants to keep production costs at a minimum, and therefore giving workers a low wage, while labor workers want high wages and lots of benefits for themselves. When the two groups have a disagreement and go into talks they try to find the answer to one simple question, â€Å"what should be the terms and conditions of employment?† and depending on their respective answers, they agree or disagree. These decisions determine the relationship of these two groups. There are many risks in business, especially if you are the proprietor behind a proprietorship. This kind of business means you stand to lose or gain the most. If this fact is causing too much stress, your quality of life may â€Å"go through the floor.† But if you are the kind of person who values money very highly, your quality of life may go up when you have the knowledge that you may be able to make that much money. There are always ways to get around the risks of business; there are exemptions to every rule. There is always to lose too though. Since the great depression, government has had much more to do with the economy than it used to. The government has much more to do with the American citizen†s life since the great depression. This bothers some people, but others like the security of being under the government†s protective wing. The government has decided to exert more controll because they want to limit the fluctuations of the business cycle. The government now makes laws and regulations to restrain the country. There are also many more social programs now, which some people couldn†t live without. These were developed because people were losing money and jobs over things which they didn†t have control over, like market fluctuations. The consumer has a very important role in the economy, and so in there own standard of living, and even in there own quality of life. Some people are only happy when they have the material possessions, while others have no need of material things to make them happy. The people who need the possessions put a high regard to what the role of an American consumer is. Things like complaining when something is unsatisfactory, and becoming informed about which products to buy. Every country has an economic system, and economic systems affect lifestyles, quality of lives, and standards of living. An economy can affect life much the way a climate can. In fact, an economy is actually a kind of climate. An economy can change, fluctuate and cause harm much the same way a weather climate can. The united states has used all levels of government and private enterprise to ensure an adequate quality of life for all of it†s citizens. The market economy is allowed to function by the government as long as it supports the common good, or quality of life.

Exporting and the Export Contract Translation Into Vietnamese Essay

The first reason is that the contract contains and covers all the terms which the two parties have come to the agreement. This means that any external document has to be expressly incorporated into the contract. Besides, This is to prevent any ambiguity about the status of any earlier agreements or understandings. Both parties shall only base on the contract to perform their obligations. The last point is to prevent any disagreements and dispute arsing from the difference between the previous drafts and the contract so that the contract can be immediately executed for both parties’ sakes ? A contract normally includes wording the following elements: †¢An entire agreement statement: a statement in the contract that the parties agree that the terms of the contract between them are to be found within the text of the contract document and nowhere else. All entire agreement clauses include this element †¢An exclusion of liability for misrepresentation: most entire agreement clauses include one or more of the following: – An acknowledgment by the parties that they have not relied on any representation which is not set out in the contract; – A statement excluding liability for misrepresentation